Music and the Mass – David Haas

Already acclaimed as one of the top names in new liturgical music it seems logical that David Haas should produce a quality guide to preparing music for the Mass.

His approach to the challenge is rather unorthodox.  He uses a selection of short texts from scripture and modern documentation before adding his own commentary on the structure of each part of the Mass and how it could be approached.  The short texts are rather like soundbites - they are designed to inspire creative thought in the reader, not necessarily to inform or instruct.

 Greater information may be obtained either through reference to the books quoted or by closely studying the Haas commentary.  This is a deceptively complex read.  Haas freely admits it is not meant to be seen as a ‘cure all’; more as an informed guide written by someone who has, through necessity, felt the need to research his approach properly.

 Rather like a good film, the Haas approach might inspire you to sneak out and read the real thing – the uncut GIRM – which is his primary source, and rightly so. 

 The best description of this book could be ‘interpretative’.   Rather than being the right tool for the job, it is more an aide memoire to point you in the right direction.

 That said, there is plenty of good solid fact herein.  While the ‘soundbites’ may seem a little frothy, the detail is compendious and surefooted.  Haas deliberately uses a spacious layout which encourages note-making and discussion.  Gather round and make sure your pencils are sharp.